Paying Homage To Kobe Bryant: One Of The Best

3. Kobe Sets Scoring Record At Madison Square Garden

Jan 26, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant talks with American director Spike Lee talks during halftime against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 110-103. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

On February 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant would break the scoreboard at the world’s most famous arena.

Kobe would score a then record 61 points at Madison Square Garden.  It has since been broken by Carmelo Anthony (62), who calls MSG his home.

In many games over the years, the ones where Kobe would try and beat teams by himself would usually result in a Lakers loss.  When Kobe is forced to put up 30+ shot attempts, the ball stops moving and no matter how many points Kobe scores, no one else is getting involved.

This game had some of those qualities, but was different as well.  Kobe shot 19-31 from the field and made all 20 free throws.  The difference in this one, Pau Gasol.  Gasol would add 30 points to Kobe’s 61.  These two teammates who loved playing with each other would combine for 91 points of the Laker’s 126.

Since this is a list of Kobe’s best games, I wouldn’t dare put in a game where he lost.  This was no different. Lakers beat the Knicks 126-117.

Next: Kobe Outscores Mavericks